Funding is key to good highways

Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways holds meeting

September 27, 2012

MARTINSBURG - The goal of the West Virginia Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways is not project-specific, Mark Baldwin said Wednesday, but it is charged with studying the condition and needs of the state's transportation system and developing a long-term strategic plan of action that includes funding options for the maintenance, construction and expansion of the state's roadway system.

Baldwin, Martinsburg's city manager, was appointed by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to the commission as one of three citizen members from each of the state's Congressional districts. He represents the 2nd Congressional district. His role on the commission is separate from his job as city manager.

The commission's first meeting was held in Charleston on Sept. 14.

West Virginia Secretary of Transportation and Commissioner of Highways Paul A. Mattox Jr., also a member of the blue ribbon panel, gave an overview of the history of the state's highway system and an overview of the background on revenue sources for state highways, Baldwin said.

"There will be three committees: infrastructure, revenue and legislative and public outreach," he said. "And it was determined that there will be five public outreach meetings to get citizen input and bring citizens up to date on the commission."

The committee memberships have not been determined, Baldwin said.

There are 29 members on the commission, representing the administration, state legislature, counties, municipalities, business, labor, academia, highway users and special regional representatives in addition to the citizen members. Baldwin apparently is the only member from the Eastern Panhandle.

Tomblin issued an executive order Aug. 14 forming the commission.

Baldwin said funding is the key issue.

The commission is to recommend legislation for next year's legislative session that includes an equitable and adequate system to properly finance improvements to the state highway system, according to Tomblin's executive order.